by
Anne KernanPatapsco
Valley State Park, which dates back to 1907 and is one of Maryland's
oldest
state parks, lies in a steep river valley and extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River. The river valley and its natural resources have long been
enjoyed by the Native Americans, explorers and settlers as well as present-day
citizens, and the park is nationally recognized today for its trail
opportunities and scenery.

Patapsco Valley State Park encompasses 14,000 acres
and five developed recreational areas. It is home to 170 miles of rugged,
natural-surface trails that climb the hillsides along the river, popular among
mountain bikers, equestrians and distance hikers. But one need not be a triathlete
to enjoy the park's amenities. For those looking for a less strenuous workout,
there is the Grist Mill
Trail,
a more moderate route and popular destination for parents with children in
strollers, families on biking trips and people with disabilities. The Grist Mill
Trail parallels the river for a mile and a half and provides a close-up view of
its scenic beauty, while leading past numerous sites of historic interest.

In the fall of 2003, a new multi-use
section of the trail opened near Ellicott City to enhance ADA- (Americans with
Disabilities Act) accessible recreational opportunities. The original section of
the Grist Mill Trail connects the famed swinging bridge in the Avalon Area of
the park to Lost Lake, a special fishing area for children under age 16, senior
citizens and visitors with disabilities, and once a reservoir for the Avalon
Iron and Nail Works and the Baltimore County Water Company. The 1.2-mile
extension leads from the swinging bridge to the river's edge near Ilchester. The
trail temporarily terminates at an old railroad bridge abutment, but plans are
in place to build a bridge over the river to connect to local roads. The new
segment brings the total amount of paved trails in the park to slightly more
than 2.5 miles and extends the Grist Mill Trail to a distance of five miles.

Trail users stroll past several historic sites worth noting. The Patapsco
Valley's rich resources attracted entrepreneurs who harnessed the river's
waterpower for 18th and 19th century industries, and because of its proximity to
Baltimore, it served as a gateway between western Maryland and the Chesapeake
Bay. As a result, the valley was developed as a transportation route and serves
as a crossroads for the National Road, regional turnpikes and the Baltimore and
Ohio (B&O) Railroad. Remnants of these early industries and the railroad can
still be seen along the trail.

An observant cyclist or hiker may serendipitously
find the ruins of the Orange Grove Flour Mill, which opened in 1856, and the Bloede
Dam, an engineering feat of the early 20th century. It was the first
hydroelectric dam in the U.S. where the turbines are located inside its hollow
core, maximizing efficiency in power generation.

The original path of the B&O
Railroad between Baltimore City and Ellicott City (1830) is also here; these
were the first 13 miles of railroad track laid in the country. Horses drew the
original rail cars while the steam engine was being perfected. Relics from the
B&O Railroad include portions of the Patterson Viaduct and granite stringers
that were used to hold the earliest iron rails that formed the railroad. The
park's legendary swinging bridge was once used by flour mill workers walking
from their homes in the town of Orange Grove on the west side of the river in
Howard County to the saw mills on the east side of the river in Baltimore
County. Visitors can also see railroad tanker ruins and the lasting effects of
erosion along the riverbank dating back to Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972.

Interpretive signs are planned for
all of these sites. A self-guiding heritage tour map is currently available in
park offices for $1 that explains historic sites on the original portion of the
trail.

To get to the Avalon Area of
Patapsco Valley State Park from the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), take Route 1
(exit 12A) south toward Arbutus. Follow Route 1 for approximately 3 miles to
South Street. Turn right. The park entrance is on the left. To get to the park
from I-95, take I-195 east toward BWI Airport. Take Route 1 (exit 3) south
toward Elkridge. Turn right onto South Street. The park entrance is on the left.
For more information on the trail, call or visit the Avalon Visitor Center,
410-737-0451.

Anne Kernan
is a Park Naturalist at Patapsco Valley State Park. She lives in one of
the valley's historic towns and has come to love its rich history and natural
treasures. Anne is also an avid hiker, canoeist and backpacker.